CRACKER Barrel customers are expressing frustration after noticing several changes at the restaurant.
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino had already discussed the upcoming changes to the Wild West-style restaurant in a conference call on May 16.
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Masino explained that the restaurant needs a “transformation” to continue to appeal to its current customer base.
The company began a $700 million redesign of its stores to bring them into the 21st century.
The company redesigned its stores with a slightly less cluttered look and a new menu.
Masino also hinted that the chain could raise food prices at certain locations.
“For example, in metropolitan areas, we have stores with an average annual household income of $55,000 in the same price range as one at $90,000,” she told investors on the conference call.
Cracker Barrel patrons have harshly criticized the new changes on social media.
“They (Cracker Barrel) have changed everything, the menu prices have gone up and it’s so loud inside you can’t hear anyone else talking! I’m not happy with the changes!!,” one customer fumed.
“I feel the same way. I am not happy with it at all,” agreed a second.
“The demise of Cracker Barrel is wonderful. Nothing needs to be changed at all,” argued a third.
“This is a big mistake. If they move away from the traditional homely atmosphere and food, they will lose sales,” claimed a fourth.
“They have changed the menus. They have to go back to what it used to be. To the rural cuisine of the past,” said a fifth.
The fight continues
Former Taco Bell manager Masino had previously stated that the restaurant was “not as significant as it once was.”
Cracker Barrel’s sales declined for much of the last quarter.
Revenue was flat year-over-year at $935.4 million, while stock continues to decline, down 40 percent so far in 2024.
Three changes at Cracker Barrel
CRACKER Barrel is making drastic changes at some of its locations after the chain’s inventory levels continue to decline.
- New decor – Cracker Barrel is testing a remodel of its restaurants, using a different color palette, updating lighting, offering more comfortable seating, and simplifying decor and furnishings.
- Optimize prices – Price reductions at some locations and price increases at other locations due to the chain’s location.
- New menu items – Cracker Barrel tested 20 new products, including green chili cornbread and banana pudding, at more than 10 locations.
Masino continued to express her concerns about the chain’s recent failures.
“We are not leaders in any area,” Masino said.
“The reality is that we have lost some market share, especially in dinner.”
Despite customers complaining about the new decor, the restaurant will continue to make changes.
“The goal, simply put, was to freshen things up in a way that was eye-catching and attractive, but still felt like Cracker Barrel,” she said.
Masino even emphasized that customer feedback had been positive, although many customers had expressed complaints.
Cracker Barrel plans to remodel up to 30 stores in the next fiscal year, she added.
NOTHING LAST FOREVER
Meanwhile, things aren’t getting any better for the Wild West-style chain as it continues to close several stores.
Bosses admitted they were sad to announce the closure of the Sacramento operation
According to CBS partner KOVR, the restaurant has closed its doors after only six years in business.
Footage shared on Reddit shows the restaurant boarded up and the parking lot empty.
A notice has been placed on the restaurant doors informing guests of the closure.
“It has been an honor for our Sacramento community to welcome guests into our store as if they were at home, and we have cherished the opportunity to participate in so many special occasions for our guests and the community for nearly six years,” it said.
“We deeply regret to announce that this location has been closed.”
Lovers of Southern cuisine can still visit five other Cracker Barrel stores in the state.
